Thousands of UK women have undiagnosed PTSD after childbirth each year, study finds
Experts call for joined-up support through the postnatal period amid concerns GPs are not trained to spot symptoms Thousands of UK women develop undiagnosed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after childbirth every year, research has found. The frightening and dangerous condition is being missed in at least 15,000 women a year across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and the true…
Research published in the British Journal of General Practice reveals that thousands of UK women develop undiagnosed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after childbirth every year. The condition is being missed by at least 15,000 women annually across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with the true number potentially being double or more, according to the study.
The gap in maternal mental health care is due to GPs often mistaking PTSD for postnatal depression, leading to women receiving inappropriate treatment. The research, led by Dr. Megan Foreman of the University of East Anglia's medical school, emphasizes the need for joined-up support during the postnatal period, as many GPs are not trained to recognize PTSD symptoms such as nightmares, flashbacks, anxiety, and persistent negative thoughts.
The NHS does not collect data on childbirth-related PTSD, despite up to one in 16 mothers developing the condition, often due to traumatic experiences during labor.
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